By Apollo Mubiru
Uganda exported 434,582 bags (60-kilo bags) of coffee valued at $ 82.56 million (sh320b), in the month February 2024.
This comprised of 372,407 of Robusta valued at $68.58m and 62,175 of Arabica at $13.98m.
Coffee exports for the 12 months (Mar 23-Feb 24) totalled 6.06m bags worth $999.8m.
African countries that imported Uganda coffee included Morocco, Sudan, Algeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya. Europe remained the main destination for Uganda’s coffees with a 64% imports share, lower than 72% in January 2024.
According to Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), there was a decrease of 9.36% in quantity but an increase of 25.06% in value compared to the same month last year.
In February 2024, significant strides were made in the coffee production sector, aiming to bolster productivity, sustainability, and farmer capacity across various regions in Uganda.
Under the initiatives of coffee production, the month witnessed the setup of 71 demonstrations, encompassing good agricultural practices, soil and water Conservation.
Despite progress, challenges such as pest infestations and disease outbreaks persisted, necessitating concerted efforts in pest and disease management strategies to safeguard coffee yields and quality.
The month of February 2024 marked a pivotal period in Uganda’s coffee production landscape, characterized by concerted efforts towards enhancing productivity, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Through collaborative endeavors, farmer empowerment, and proactive mitigation of challenges, the sector continues to evolve, laying a robust foundation for the prosperity of the coffee industry and the well-being of stakeholders across the value chain.
